Design and methodology of the Aging Nephropathy Study (AGNES): a prospective cohort study of elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is usually indicated for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with glomerular filtration rate below 10 ml/ml/min/1.73m. However, the need for RRT and timing of dialysis initiation are debatable for patients aged 70 years or older.

Decision-making process in the pre-dialysis CKD patients: do anxiety, stress and depression matter?

Background: The transition from pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) to renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a stressful event. Anxiety, depression and stress are frequent conditions in this population, and might play a role on the choice of dialysis modality.

Methods: This is a prospective study that included stages 4-5 CKD patients during a dialysis multi-disciplinary education program.